Floor Sanding Mistakes You Need to Avoid Right Now

In the world of home improvement, there’s a strong temptation to tackle projects with a DIY approach. From fixing small issues to sprucing up your living space, doing it yourself can be rewarding. However, there are certain tasks that should be left to the experts, and floor sanding is one of them.

Floor sanding is a tricky job that requires specific skills and knowledge. If you attempt it without the right expertise, you could end up causing serious harm to your floor.

In this blog, we’ll explore the common mistakes people make when sanding their floors and how to avoid them. So, before you grab that sander, let’s take a closer look at the dos and don’ts of floor sanding Geelong to help you avoid any costly mishaps.

 

Common Floor Sanding Mistakes You Might Make

 

Using Inadequate Equipment

One of the most common mistakes in DIY floor sanding is not realizing that there are many different types of sanding machines, each with its own strengths and purposes.

Some are great for hardwood floors, while others work better on softer materials. Some are used for initial sanding, while others are used for the final, smooth finish before adding finishing touches. It’s important to choose the right machine for your specific flooring and the stage of sanding you’re at.

 

Solution:

Make sure you have:

• A quality drum sander for the main sanding.
• Edge sanders for reaching tight spaces and corners.
• Various grit sandpaper for progressive sanding. 

Sanding Improperly

Deciding on an ideal extent of sanding for a wooden floor can be challenging, as it varies depending on each floor’s unique characteristics. Initially, when you start sanding, you’ll observe a significant transformation as the old finish and dirt are removed. 

However, as you proceed beyond this phase, the visible progress may appear less dramatic. It’s important to remember that the right amount of sanding depends on the floor’s condition, and it can be different for each one. 

 Solution:

• Don’t halt sanding after just one or two passes with the machine.
• Dedicate yourself to the task, meticulously sanding even the smallest remaining imperfections. 

Putting Too Much Pressure on The Sander

As every one of us wants to get rid of the floor sanding task ASAP, it’s common to push the sander with excessive pressure. However, this approach often leads to a myriad of issues, such as cut-through, swirls, uneven sanding, and increased heat production. 

These problems can be detrimental, potentially causing premature wear and tear to the sander and disc.

 Solution:

• Instead of applying excessive pressure, maintain a gentle touch on the sander.
• Allow the sander to glide smoothly across the surface, mimicking the natural movement of sliding. 

Utilising the Wrong Grit Sandpaper

One of the most common floor sanding mistakes is using the incorrect grit sandpaper for the job. For floor sanding, there are three primary grit categories to consider. Coarse sandpaper comes in the 40 to 80 grit range, which is perfect for the initial sanding to eliminate polish layers. Meanwhile, medium grit is best for smoothing out the surface after the initial coarse sanding.

Fine sand grit sandpaper, with options ranging from 180 to 230 grit, is ideal for the final touches and polishing, either before applying finishing products or in between layers of them. Using the wrong grit for floors will ruin your results. 

Solution:

• Begin with a maximum of 24 grit paper.
• Stick within the 16-24 grit range for optimal results. Adjust coarseness based on the condition of your floors. 

Embrace the Magic Professionals can Make

 

Undoubtedly, when it comes to sanding floors, taking a do-it-yourself approach without experience can lead to many problems. It’s often much better to hire floor sanding Geelong professionals who not only understand different types of flooring but also have the right tools and skills for sanding.

The most important thing is to find a reliable floor sanding company, and here are some key things to look for:

1. Vast experience in floor sanding and flooring in general.
2. Access to modern, high-quality sanding equipment.
3. Fair and affordable pricing.
4. A track record of doing excellent work and a professional attitude.
5. Excellent customer service to make sure you’re happy with the results.

 

Final Thoughts 

Once you’ve got a skilled crew for sanding your floors, you can attain excellent results while avoiding expensive errors that could harm your floors. 

In fact, hiring floor sanding Geelong experts can actually save you money in the end, as you won’t need to pay for repairs or redo the job yourself.

So, if you want to get your floors sanded professionally, you can rely on Total Floor Service to ensure excellent outcomes. Our team boasts years of experience and can easily handle the most complex projects, leaving a sparkling shine on your floors. Contact us and experience the difference yourself.